DOT predicts busiest U.S. travel season on record

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – TSA said U.S. air travel is all the way back from a decline during the pandemic, and then some.

“All ten of our top busiest days in our 23 years have occurred since the 24th of May of this year,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

TSA believes they can keep screening times down to 30 minutes or less for standard passengers, and 10 minutes or less for those with pre-check.

Pakoske said you can help yourself by making sure the bag you pack is empty to begin with, putting liquids exceeding the 3.4 ounce limit in your checked bag, and for any questions not covered on the TSA website, you can now text the agency.

“If you text, ask TSA, no spaces, you will get an answer back from us very quickly, with the same kind of questions like ‘can I bring a turkey?’ for example,” Pakoske said. “Can I bring stuffing into the check point operations for screening?”

The FAA continues to battle air traffic controller shortages, which have been responsible for delays for years. The agency believes shifting staff around and technological advancement can improve the situation.

“During the Thanksgiving travel period we will use traffic flow management initiatives to deal with any staffing shortages on that particular day in this airspace, and we expect to have some of those shortages,” FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said.

DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg wants travelers to know that the agency has secured additional protections for passengers over the past several years.

Pete Buttigieg: Department of Transportation Secretarybaggage, refunds for services not provided like wifi, or seat selection or in flight entertainment.”

The Department of Transportation anticipates Tuesday and Sunday will be the busiest travel days.

Copyright 2024 Gray DC. All rights reserved.